Paul Lee powered the decisive fourth-quarter assault Magnolia rode toward the 106-97 come-from-behind win against NorthPort to become the first to clinch a quarterfinal spot in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, Saturday night.
Coming off the bench, the veteran gunner fired 10 of his 16 points to head a 17-3 run that flipped an 85-83 deficit to a 100-88 lead with 4:46 left, and they went on to find redemption after bowing to Rain or Shine last Sunday.
That defeat to the Elasto Painters in Montalban was actually the Hotshots’ first after an unbeaten six-game streak to start the season-ending conference, which also spoiled their plans of reaching the playoffs’ first round that early.
But none of that matters anymore as the traditional contenders got the job done now, much of course to the delight of their faithful that trooped to the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur — the host of next season’s All-Star festivities.
Zav Lucero top-scored for Magnolia with 20 points and eight rebounds as he was also crucial during their charge in the final frame to complete the comeback after they trailed by as much as 10 points late in the chapter prior.
Mark Barroca supplied 15 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, sparking the aforementioned run by kissing the rock off the glass to tie the game up at 85-all with 7:51 to go before Lee took matters into his own hands.
Shortly after the decorated floor general’s bucket, Lee knocked down the first of his two fours in the telling rally that followed, showing shades of the same brilliance he displayed in their 117-92 conquest of Meralco last May 15.
Peter Alfaro came through with 13 points while Jerom Lastimosa and Aris Dionisio chipped in 10 markers apiece in the balanced attack.
The lefty Dionisio made his presence felt during the closing minutes, drilling back-to-back threes to push their lead to 106-93 with 2:39 to spare, all but sealing the deal for a side that has regained the top spot in the standings.
Magnolia improved to 7-1 following the win and has taken the lead once more after NLEX (6-1) forged a tie Friday night after beating Converge.
The Road Warriors, as a result, are now at solo second, with San Miguel and Ginebra — both of which are 5-2 — breathing down their necks as the race to the top four is becoming more intense as the elimination round nears its end.
The win should prime the Hotshots heading into their next match on June 1, Sunday, as they’re set to face the Kings at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
William Navarro, on the other hand, finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds with three assists and four steals to lead NorthPort, although his efforts weren’t enough to save them from losing their sixth straight game.
Sidney Onwubere had 19 points and nine rebounds. Jio Jalalon made 16 points and six rebounds while Joshua Munzon added a 14-5-4 line in the meltdown in which the crew blew a 73-63 lead, eventually falling to 1-6.
Munzon himself tried to steady the Batang Pier when his three put them up at 85-83 with 8:12 remaining in the gam,e but that proved to be their last gasp.
One of the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinalists will now need to win their next four games if they are to stay in the hunt for the quarters, but it won’t get any easier as they’re bound to face three perennial playoff teams.
Their bid to stay alive will start against TNT on May 30, Friday, also at the Big Dome, taking on a team that’s in the midst of a four-game winning streak.
The Scores:
Magnolia 106 – Lucero 20, Lee 16, Barroca 15, Alfaro 13, Lastimosa 10, Dionisio 10, Abueva 8, Sangalang 7, Dela Rosa 5, Eriobu 2, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Ahanmisi 0.
NorthPort 97 – Navarro 27, Onwubere 19, Jalalon 16, Munzon 14, Kwekuteye 9, Nelle 7, Yu 3, Flores 2, Cuntapay 0, Bulanadi 0.
Quarterscores: 32-27, 51-53, 74-75, 106-97.
